LOS ANGELES, Sept. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Home to one of the world's
greatest concentrations of automobile manufacturer design studios, Los
Angeles is consistently ahead of the next trend, spawning ideas to help
solve tomorrow's challenges today. This century's more eco-friendly
vehicles are only the beginning of transforming the future of driving into
an environmental experience.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060925/LAM096)
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060612/LAM005LOGO)
For the third consecutive year, the Design Challenge has Los Angeles
design studios shaping their vision of the future by creating a vehicle
that is environmentally aware of its global footprint. Nine participating
studios are exploring this new futuristic frontier by imagining a time when
all vehicles have technology allowing the public to enjoy the distinctive
Southern California lifestyle and unique environment without harming it.
Environmental Sustainability
These multi-purpose, environmentally sustainable design entries are as
diverse as the beach, mountains and deserts that represent the geographic
diversity of LA. They include such design visions as the vehicle with
interchangeable, fully recyclable body coverings, another which runs on
pedal power and a vehicle with algae-filled panels that transform harmful
CO2 into pure oxygen.
Designers thrive on participating in the Design Challenge because it
enables them to explore far-reaching, creative ideas in automotive design
without any restrictions on them.
Entries in this year's Design Challenge are:
* Acura FCX 2020 Le Mans -- Acura Design Center
* Audi Dynamic Space Frame -- Volkswagen/Audi Design Center California
* Honda Extreme -- Honda Research & Development
* Hummer O2 -- General Motors Advanced Design, California
* Kia Sandstorm -- Hyundai Kia America Design Center
* Mercedes-Benz RECY -- Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design of North America
* Mini BioMoke -- BMW Group DesignworksUSA
* Toyota RLV -- CALTY Design Research
* Volkswagen Nanospyder -- Volkswagen/Audi Design Center California
The two-dimensional renderings will be judged by a panel consisting of
multi-discipline design professionals who will select a winner based upon
the following criteria: originality of creative concept, contribution to
the environment, degree of safety and reflection of a unique, spirited
Southern California "green" lifestyle.
Judging the entries this year are Bill Van Amburg of Calstart, Tom
Matano of San Francisco's Academy of Art University, Imre Molner of
Detroit's College for Creative Studies and Stewart Reed of Pasadena's Art
Center College of Design.
"The environmental theme is very appropriate in creating awareness with
consumers on automotive issues that are prevalent today," says Chuck Pelly,
director of Design Los Angeles and partner in The Design Academy, Inc. "We
are happy to see that the LA-area studios are using design as the tool to
communicate unique and innovative approaches to this challenge."
The upcoming Design Challenge entries will be revealed in early October
when media packs and CD-ROMs featuring the vehicles are released. The
winner will be announced on November 30 at the LA Auto Show.
About the LA Auto Show
The Los Angeles Auto Show's theme "A New Beginning" marks a time when
the world's automobile companies have stepped forward with a record number
of production and concept vehicle world debuts in the show's history. The
new earlier dates of the LA Auto Show include press days on Nov. 29 and 30,
2006, followed by public days from Dec. 1-10, 2006. More information is
available at www.LAautoshow.com.

SOURCE LA Auto Show

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Home to one of the world's
greatest concentrations of automobile manufacturer design studios, Los
Angeles is consistently ahead of the next trend, spawning ideas to help
solve tomorrow's challenges today. This century's more eco-friendly
vehicles are only the beginning of transforming the future of driving into
an environmental experience.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060925/LAM096)
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060612/LAM005LOGO)
For the third consecutive year, the Design Challenge has Los Angeles
design studios shaping their vision of the future by creating a vehicle
that is environmentally aware of its global footprint. Nine participating
studios are exploring this new futuristic frontier by imagining a time when
all vehicles have technology allowing the public to enjoy the distinctive
Southern California lifestyle and unique environment without harming it.
Environmental Sustainability
These multi-purpose, environmentally sustainable design entries are as
diverse as the beach, mountains and deserts that represent the geographic
diversity of LA. They include such design visions as the vehicle with
interchangeable, fully recyclable body coverings, another which runs on
pedal power and a vehicle with algae-filled panels that transform harmful
CO2 into pure oxygen.
Designers thrive on participating in the Design Challenge because it
enables them to explore far-reaching, creative ideas in automotive design
without any restrictions on them.
Entries in this year's Design Challenge are:
* Acura FCX 2020 Le Mans -- Acura Design Center
* Audi Dynamic Space Frame -- Volkswagen/Audi Design Center California
* Honda Extreme -- Honda Research & Development
* Hummer O2 -- General Motors Advanced Design, California
* Kia Sandstorm -- Hyundai Kia America Design Center
* Mercedes-Benz RECY -- Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design of North America
* Mini BioMoke -- BMW Group DesignworksUSA
* Toyota RLV -- CALTY Design Research
* Volkswagen Nanospyder -- Volkswagen/Audi Design Center California
The two-dimensional renderings will be judged by a panel consisting of
multi-discipline design professionals who will select a winner based upon
the following criteria: originality of creative concept, contribution to
the environment, degree of safety and reflection of a unique, spirited
Southern California "green" lifestyle.
Judging the entries this year are Bill Van Amburg of Calstart, Tom
Matano of San Francisco's Academy of Art University, Imre Molner of
Detroit's College for Creative Studies and Stewart Reed of Pasadena's Art
Center College of Design.
"The environmental theme is very appropriate in creating awareness with
consumers on automotive issues that are prevalent today," says Chuck Pelly,
director of Design Los Angeles and partner in The Design Academy, Inc. "We
are happy to see that the LA-area studios are using design as the tool to
communicate unique and innovative approaches to this challenge."
The upcoming Design Challenge entries will be revealed in early October
when media packs and CD-ROMs featuring the vehicles are released. The
winner will be announced on November 30 at the LA Auto Show.
About the LA Auto Show
The Los Angeles Auto Show's theme "A New Beginning" marks a time when
the world's automobile companies have stepped forward with a record number
of production and concept vehicle world debuts in the show's history. The
new earlier dates of the LA Auto Show include press days on Nov. 29 and 30,
2006, followed by public days from Dec. 1-10, 2006. More information is
available at www.LAautoshow.com.
SOURCE LA Auto Show